It’s funny how a small encounter can shift your entire way of thinking. A few weeks ago, I was standing outside a coffee shop in Ocean Beach, just another Saturday morning, when a young man looked up and said, “Sir.” Not “hey man,” not “dude,” but sir.
That single word hit differently — respectful, observant, almost reverent in tone. In that moment, I realized I had crossed into a new phase of life. Not one defined by age, but by influence. It wasn’t about slowing down; it was about stepping up — stepping into what I now call Sirhood.
In my last blog, I wrote about the ecosystem each of us builds — the circle of people, ideas, and efforts that reflect our values and energy back into the world. That ecosystem only grows stronger when we intentionally cultivate it. So, inspired by that young man and my own reflection, I’ve developed a framework to live by: GPPA — Guide, Promote, Protect, and Applaud.
1. Guide
The first responsibility of a “Sir” is to guide. Not preach, but listen, and help others find their own direction. When someone around you seeks advice, that’s an invitation — a sacred trust. Our experience only has value when shared. Guiding means helping others see what’s next, especially when they can’t yet see it themselves.
2. Promote
Once you’ve given guidance, promote them. Open doors. Connect dots. Use your name and reputation to help them step into opportunities they wouldn’t have on their own. But more than that — teach them how to promote themselves. Self-advocacy is a learned skill, and one of the most generous things we can do is show others how to build their own credibility.
3. Protect
This might be the most underrated of the four — protect. When someone young and bold steps forward, they’ll face friction. Critics, competitors, cynics. Part of our responsibility as seasoned leaders is to shield them when necessary, to provide cover while they find their footing. It’s not about controlling — it’s about creating space for growth.
4. Applaud
Finally, applaud. Celebrate every win, big or small. Recognition is the fuel that keeps people moving forward, and the simple act of applause means more than people realize. For high achievers especially, acknowledgment from someone they respect reinforces their momentum more than any reward ever could.
Practicing Sirhood Daily
So this is my commitment for the year: to make GPPA a daily practice. Every morning, I’ll look at my ecosystem — the people around me, most of them in their 20s, 30s, or 40s — and make sure I’m guiding, promoting, protecting, or applauding someone.
Six months from now, I’ll revisit this to see how I’ve done. Because Sirhood isn’t a title someone gives you; it’s a practice you earn — one thoughtful interaction at a time.
GPPA. Guide. Promote. Protect. Applaud.
That’s how we keep the circle strong.
